Abstract: A method and apparatus for invoking online charging of a service requested via a communications network and to be accessed according to a first protocol, wherein subscriber information is received from a first network element (102) including information for invoking the online charging, and the received subscriber information is interpreted and in response to a service request online charging is invoked from a second network element (103) for the service by means of a second protocol.

Abstract: Various embodiments are disclosed for a services policy communication system and method. In some embodiments, an open transaction central billing system includes a communications device, in which the communications device is configured to execute a payment component to accept a billing request from a transaction server; and a transaction server, in which the transaction server is programmed with a set of credentials, and the communications device is in network communication with the transaction server.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a system which calculates a conversion factor (CF) based upon a zero percent (0%) futures contract standard. The zero percent futures contract standard may be used in the context of futures or forwards based upon coupon bearing debt securities including Treasuries, Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS), agencies, corporates, municipals, or any fixed income security. The system also facilitates listing, trading, and settlement of an interest rate futures contract that sets forth such a zero percent futures contract standard. The system may be configured for both interest rate futures contracts utilizing a nonzero percent futures contract standard and interest rate futures contract utilizing a zero percent futures contract standard. The system may be configured to calculate an invoice amount for the interest rate futures contract to be paid in exchange for the delivery of the one of the set of eligible interest rate or debt securities and instruments.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for maximizing revenue generating throughput of a multi-user parallel data processing platform across a set of users of the service provided with the platform. The invented techniques, for any given user contract among the contracts supported by the platform, and on any given billing assessment period, determine a level of a demand for the capacity of the platform associated with the given contract that is met by a level of access to the capacity of the platform allocated to the given contract, and assess billables for the given contract at least in part based on such met demand and a level of assured access to the capacity of the platform associated with the given contract, as well as billing rates, applicable for the given billing assessment period, for the met demand and the level of assured access associated with the given contract.

Abstract: A sales statement information storage section (34) stores sales statement information representing a sale by use of a credit card held by a user. A user identification section (38) identifies the user based on data received from a user terminal. An amount of payment correction section (48) refers to an access history storage section for storing access history to a predetermined site so as to correct to reduce, under the condition that it is determined that the access history to the predetermined site by the user identified by the user identification section (38) is stored in the access history storage section, an amount of money to be paid subsequently by the user in the sales statement information. A statement page generation section (40) generates, based on the sales statement information after the correction, a sales statement page describing an amount of money to be charged to the user. A statement page transmission section (42) transmits the generated sales statement page to the user terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a local power controller to power and/or charge a user device. The local power controller receives a recharging request for the user device, and enables a timed charge for the user device by a power station. Upon completion of the timed charge or upon disconnection of the user device, the local power controller initiates a payment for the timed charge. A maximum amount may be set by the user device. The recharging request may be transmitted by the user device over a cellular communication path.

Abstract: The invention of present provides for real-time authentication and billing gateway for WLAN traffic. Notably, the improved method for implementing a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) gateway system enables telecommunications network operators (and like entities) to rate and bill for services accessed by the wireless user. The logic of the invention supports and furthers the art in regard to advanced real-time rating/billing in addition to providing for a variety of replenishment mechanism for casual users via pre-paid vouchers and credit cards.

Abstract: A system and method of making a charitable donation on a mobile device includes reading a code with the mobile device and requesting code related content in response to reading the code. The code related content is received from a server, the code related content comprising at least one short code associated with a charitable organization. In some embodiments, additional content may be provided to provide incentive to the user to make a donation. At least one of a SMS or MMS message is sent using the short code to make a donation to the charitable organization.

Abstract: Crowd based content delivery is disclosed. In some embodiments, managing content delivery includes receiving a specification from a resource provider of an availability of a content delivery service at the resource provider, selecting the resource provider to service requests for a content item, facilitating caching of the content item at the resource provider, and redirecting a request for the content item to the resource provider for servicing.

Abstract: The present relates to a method and system for operating a virtual energy network. The method and system receives electricity at a local energy network from an electric grid, stores at an energy storage appliance electricity received from the electric grid at a first period of time, and provides electricity from the energy storage appliance to the local energy network at a second period of time. The cost of the electricity provided by the electric grid is lower at the first period of time than at the second period of time. The energy storage appliance is connected to a management unit via a communication network, from which it receives an energy storage policy. Also, the electric grid, a plurality of energy storage appliances connected to the electric grid and to a corresponding plurality of local energy networks, and the management unit constitute a virtual energy network.

Abstract: Techniques for performing an accounts payable process may include receiving transaction data including at least one of invoice data, purchase order data, and vendor data; and verifying a transaction by matching a dynamic data set of client-specified multi-dimensional criteria to the transaction data. An accounts payable system may include a host system in communication with one or more client systems. The host system may include a matching database configured to receive an accounts payable file including at least one of invoice data, purchase order data, and vendor data; and verify a transaction by matching a dynamic data set of client-specified multi-dimensional records to attributes of the accounts payable file.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data brokering, and more specifically, data brokering regarding a data provider's search-related activities, are described. In particular implementations, various aspects of facilitating a compensation arrangement between a data provider and a data consumer regarding one or more data-provider-related search activities are described.

Abstract: A system includes a first database to associate a sub-interface identifier with customer information, a second database to store a history of customer usage records, and a first device. The first device may receive information from a routing device, where the information includes the sub-interface identifier for a sub-interface of the routing device and information identifying an amount of network traffic received at or transmitted from the sub-interface over a time period, use the sub-interface identifier to obtain the associated customer information from the first database, associate the customer information with the information identifying an amount of network traffic received at or transmitted from the sub-interface over a time period to create a new customer usage record, and store the new customer usage record in the second database.

Abstract: An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system maintains a plurality of business elements. Each of the business elements represents a business function that may or may not be needed depending on a customer's business requirement. A scoping process is a process which determines what business elements are required according to the customer's business requirement and the relationships exist among some of the business elements. The ERP system provides an automatic business configuration subsystem. The automatic business configuration subsystem maintains a set of rules. Each of the rules representing a relationship between two business elements maintained at the ERP system. The automatic business configuration subsystem automatically determines which business elements are required and need to be implemented based on the set of rules. The automatic business configuration subsystem may also automatically determine whether statuses of the business elements are consistent with each other in view of the rules.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided for managing reward offers. A first performance target that is associated with a financial account is determined. Transaction data that is associated with the financial account is received, and a second performance target for the financial account is determined based on the transaction data.

Abstract: A certified email system for providing a time stamp for a presented file, particularly when the presented file is an email. Preferably a demanding party receives the email; generates a unique HASH; digitally signs the unique HASH; and sends the signed HASH and a time-stamp request call to a web services time-stamp conduit (WSTC). The WSTC receives the request and signed HASH from the demanding party and obtains a time stamp. The WSTC sends the time stamp back to the demanding party, which sends a time-stamp notification to the original sender of the email and, optionally, the recipient(s) of the email. Multiple branded or customized demanding servers can efficiently run using one web services time-stamp conduit. An integrated detailed billing system capable of pass-through client billing, keyword search functionality, a multi-party content management system, and convenient web-based automated verification (file or HASH) services are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides various systems and methods for actively optimizing a credit score and reducing debt. The method includes receiving a credit report including credit accounts, balances, interest rates, and rate types for the credit accounts. The method further receives bank account and payroll information, as well as fixed and variable expense information. The method then generates a financial report based on the received information. Based on the financial report, the method calculates a payment amount, and determines available unassigned income. An allocation of the available income for debt reduction and credit score optimization is received, and the method dynamically allocates the funds to pay the credit accounts, the fixed expenses, and variable expenses such that the customer's debt is reduced and the customer's credit score is improved.

Abstract: A system for legal document authoring for a legal action and electronic court filing of such legal documents provides an online network for subscribers. The system provides a direct mechanism (and a web portal mechanism) for submitting a claim file containing party and claim information necessary for automatic legal document generation based on an auto-selected destination court (in some embodiments) and further based on at least certain party and claim information. The automatically-generated legal documents are compliant with the requirements of the destination court, providing end-to-end automation for improved efficiency in judicial debt collection. The system also provides an online network for facilitating communications between subscribers (litigants) and the court systems.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to an individual material bill of material and/or an order tracking view business object.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, methods, apparatus, systems and/or computer readable mediums are provided. According to some embodiments, a method includes generating at least one shipment request data object based at least in part on at least one outbound delivery data object; generating at least one freight unit data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment request data object; generating at least one shipment data object based at least in part on the at least one freight unit data object; generating at least one invoice data object based at least in part on the at least one shipment data object; and generating at least one customs export document based at least in part on the at least one invoice.

Abstract: Electric vehicle recharging system in public garages and parking facilities that utilizes a vehicle identification to prevent energy theft and to provide a reliable and safe method to resume recharging process without any manual authorization after recharging interrupt.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable memory containing instructions include receiving a DNS request containing authentication information, validating the authentication information, determining an appropriate action to take based on the validating status, and taking the appropriate action. Actions may include responding with an individualized network layer address or service location address, delaying sending a response message, sending a network layer address or service location address corresponding to a site containing authentication information, and sending a response with a network layer address or service location address with a web address configured to mimic the website related to the requested resource.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for mobile content delivery. A method includes, in a mobile network, maintaining a database of mobile subscriber information for mobile subscribers derived from the mobile network, receiving a request for content from a mobile subscriber, loading the requested content, processing the requested content in conjunction with mobile subscriber information in the database of mobile subscriber information, and delivering the processed requested content to the mobile subscriber.

Abstract: Example methods disclosed herein to manage and process data associated with network usage include creating first links to represent relationships between event data items and rated data items, and creating second links to represent relationships between the rated data items and billed data items. Such example methods also include, in response to a request for network usage information associated with a first billed data item received after the first billed data item has been generated, processing a first one of the second links to identify a first rated data item associated with the first billed data item, processing a first one of the first links to identify a first event data item associated with the first rated data item, and returning the first event data item in response to the request.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method includes selecting call detail report (CDR) call setup attributes from captured CDR data, refining the CDR data, and summing CDR amount attribute values for each set of CDR call entries having common values for the selected CDR call setup attributes. Each set of one or more CDR call entries having common values for the CDR call setup attributes are combined into a single refined CDR call entry having the common CDR call setup attribute values and the summed CDR amount attribute values. The summing process is repeated for each set of CDR data associated with each of a plurality of network elements. After summing the CDR attribute amount values for call entries having common CDR setup call attribute values for each switch, CDR attribute amount values associated with common CDR setup attribute values in call entries associated with all switches are summed to generate a final set of refined CDR data.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring, controlling, and displaying utility information is provided. A collar communicatively connected to the utility meter monitors power usage and provides usage data, power quality data, and other data to the utility and the customer. The system provides for pre-pay power, and the collar relay can automatically connect or disconnect power to a customer as required. The system provides intelligent remote control of utility meters via wireless or other communications means. A display unit communicatively coupled to the collar displays customer utility usage data. In one embodiment, the system allows reconnect after disconnect upon receiving a confirmation to restore power from a customer input device at the customer premises.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for conducting electronic transactions in a distributed computing environment. A communications protocol is provided that enables reliable transactional state synchronization for peers participating in a distributed transaction. A transaction processing application is deployed on a local computer system to manage transactions thereon. The local computer system contacts a remote computer system to obtain authorization to execute a transaction. The local computer system initiates a failure-recovery job that is operable to automatically resend status signals and other information to the remote system if the communication with the remote system exhibits certain predefined fault conditions. The remote system is able to dynamically adjust the definition of the predefined fault conditions. If the transaction concludes without triggering the predefined fault conditions, the failure-recovery job is cancelled.

Abstract: A mobile group payment service enables members of a group to access a group account. The group account may enable members to transmit funds, request funds, and perform account queries, and modify account settings, among other possible operations. A member may request a payment from the group account to a target account. A transaction authorization service may facilitate an authorization process to determine whether the requested payment is authorized by one or more of the other members of the group. Upon authorization, the requested payment may be completed by transferring funds to the target account.

Abstract: A contract manufacturer (CM) makes a consumer electronics (CE) device under the auspices of a brand name manufacturer (BNM) associated with the CE device, paying royalties immediately on licensable components in the CE device that are activated for sale and not paying royalties on licensable components in the CE device that are deactivated for sale. Should a purchaser subsequently activate an originally deactivated licensable component, the CM receives this information and pays royalties accordingly on the now-activated licensable component.

Abstract: A method of implementing buyer and seller transactions is provided. A set of rules for accepting information into a document is received from the buyer. Also defined is the form of the presentation of an interface to the seller for creating the seller's invoice. The seller also receives address information from the buyer. The rules for accepting information, the rules regarding presentation and the address information are stored in a storage resource. The rules regarding presentation are accessed from the storage resource, and an interface is presented to the seller based on those rules. The rules for accepting information are accessed from the storage resource, and information for the document based on those rules is accepted through the interface. The address information is accessed from the storage resource, and the document with the accepted information is sent to the buyer.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for usage billing of one or more hosted applications serving one or more clients. The hosted applications are contained within one or more isolated environments or run without isolated environments. The system may include usage billing based on one or more of resources open, amount of data flowing through resources, number of open files, number of transactions, number of concurrent users, number of processes, CPU utilization and memory usage, The system may further include a management interface where administrators may add, remove and configure isolated environments, configure client policies and credentials, and force upgrades. If using isolated environments, the isolated environments may be isolated from other applications and the host operating system on the clients and applications within the isolated environments may run without performing an application-installation on the client.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods for requesting a transfer of funds between a first party a second party: the methods may comprise receiving from the first party an instruction to initiate a transfer request and an electronic copy of a bill associated with the transfer request. The methods may also comprise receiving from the first party a text message associated with the transfer request and an indication of at least a second party who is a recipient of the transfer request. In addition, the methods may comprise posting the transfer request to an account of the second party. The transfer request may comprise the electronic copy of the bill associated with the transfer request, and the text message associated with the transfer request.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for usage billing of one or more hosted applications serving one or more clients. The hosted applications are contained within one or more isolated environments or run without isolated environments. The system may include usage billing based on one or more of resources open, amount of data flowing through resources, number of open files, number of transactions, number of concurrent users, number of processes, CPU utilization and memory usage, The system may further include a management interface where administrators may add, remove and configure isolated environments, configure client policies and credentials, and force upgrades. If using isolated environments, the isolated environments may be isolated from other applications and the host operating system on the clients and applications within the isolated environments may run without performing an application-installation on the client.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for identifying an optimized rating scheme. In use, a first rate calculated for an event utilizing a first predefined rating scheme is received. Additionally, at least one second rate for the event is calculated, utilizing at least one second predefined rating scheme. Further, an optimized rating scheme is identified by comparing the first rate and the at least one second rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a processor-implemented method for processing image data representing a document using an image processing apparatus. The processor receives image data, determines the classifications and counts of pixels in the image data (e.g., in device independent space that are degrees of neutral or non-neutral), classifies the image data into a category based on the determination of classifications and counts of pixels, and determines a billing structure for the image data based on the classification of image data. The classification can be performed on the image data prior to conversion into device dependent space. For example, by counting true color, neutral, non-neutral, and fuzzy color pixels and comparing them to thresholds, the image data can be classified as neutral or very colorful. By classifying images earlier in the image path, errors in billing are reduced.

Abstract: A home gateway accesses a host system that differentially routes messages over a communication network to a destination system. The selection of a communication pathway from multiple possible communication pathways through a communication network is based on a user experience type (e.g., gaming user experience, streaming user experience, or browsing user experience) that generally reflects network resource consumption preferences of the user of the access account for the home gateway. Examples of user experience types include a gaming user experience, a streaming user experience and a browsing user experience. The user experience type generally reflects the online experience desired by the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for transmitting mobile device data are described. A method includes querying a first mobile device for data residing on the first mobile device; wirelessly transmitting, to a computer system, a specification of the data residing on the first mobile device; determining suitability of data for a second mobile device; and receiving, at the second mobile device, a specification of data for the second mobile device that is based on the specification of the data residing on the first mobile device. Another method includes wirelessly receiving, at a computer system, a specification of data residing on the first mobile device; and wirelessly transmitting, to the second mobile device, a specification of data for the second mobile device that is based on the specification of the data residing on the first mobile device.

Abstract: An electronic bill presentment and payment system including an extensible, customizable, data source independent data layer for accessing a business data repository for processing billing information. The business data repositories use one or more data source formats. A business logic module generating business data requests for data from the business data repository in order to carry out processing of billing information. The business data requests are independent of the one or more data source formats of the business data repository. A data layer descriptor repository stores customizable data source descriptions for generating the data layer. The data layer is generated from the customizable descriptors in the data layer descriptor repository. The data layer module receives the data source independent business data requests and based on the request, the data layer implements a data source specific method for fulfilling the request by accessing data in the business data repository.

Abstract: A method for performing a financial transaction that includes identifying a plurality of payment options associated with a payer executing the financial transaction, wherein each of the plurality of payment options is linked to a financial account of the payer, obtaining cost data and benefit data for each of the plurality of payment options, wherein the cost data includes a cost of using the payment option for the financial transaction and the benefit data includes a benefit of using the payment option for the financial transaction, selecting a preferred payment option from the plurality of payment options for the financial transaction based on the cost data and the benefit data, and processing the financial transaction using the preferred payment option to obtain a transaction confirmation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for managing, distributing, and serving court-related documents. The system is operated by a host and utilized by a number of different entities that are involved in effecting service of court-related documents such as summonses, subpoenas, complaints, petitions and warrants. By way of the system, these court-related documents can be electronically distributed and ultimately served in an efficient manner. The system also permits the automated invoicing and billing for service related activities. The archiving of data related to effecting service can also be carried out by the present system.

Abstract: A receivables transaction management platform is configured for facilitating management of international trade receivables transactions. The platform includes a task manager layer and a platform functionality layer. The task manager layer is configured for facilitating management of transaction information workflow tasks and export receivables tasks. The platform functionality layer is accessible by at least a portion of the managers and is configured for enabling facilitation of the transaction information workflow tasks and the export receivables tasks. Managing the transaction information workflow tasks and export receivables tasks includes facilitating preparation of a document and data portfolio required for settlement of an international trade receivables transaction, facilitating electronic submission of the document and data portfolio to a designated recipient and facilitating acceptance of the document and data portfolio.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and a computer program product are provided for an energy management modeling language. Selections of a location, a time, a first variable identifier, a second variable identifier, a third variable identifier, and text that specifies a transform based on an energy management modeling language primitive are received via a user interface. The first variable identifier, the second variable identifier, and the third variable identifier are reformatted based on the location and the time. The transform is executed based on the reformatted first variable and the reformatted second variable to create a result. The result is output based on the reformatted third variable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and data structures for the effective and efficient synchronization or inter-exchange of invoice adjustment information between business applications employing disparate DOFs. For one embodiment, a DOF is provided that allows for relationships between entities, also referred to as invoice adjustments, to be modeled as attributes of an entity and for customization of the DOF in a manner that facilitates upgrading of the DOF. For one embodiment, the invoice adjustment DOF is provided in a common software language such as XML. For one embodiment, invoice adjustment information from each of several business applications is translated to a common DOF. The invoice adjustment information, in the common DOF, is then inter-exchanged among the several business applications. Each application has only to translate the invoice adjustment information from the common DOF to the application-specific DOF of the respective business application.

Abstract: Security techniques for device assisted services are provided. In some embodiments, secure service measurement and/or control execution partition is provided. In some embodiments, implementing a service profile executed at least in part in a secure execution environment of a processor of a communications device for assisting control of the communications device use of a service on a wireless network, in which the service profile includes a plurality of service policy settings, and wherein the service profile is associated with a service plan that provides for access to the service on the wireless network; monitoring use of the service based on the service profile; and verifying the use of the service based on the monitored use of the service.

Abstract: Multi-factor identity fingerprinting with user behavior is disclosed. A user's interactions with one or more parties are tracked and stored in a data store. A party may be a company itself or a company's information system. The user interactions are aggregated in a user profile bound to a particular user. All of the profile, or some subset of the profile may be used to generate an identity fingerprint. The identity fingerprint may be used as authentication credentials, where the similarity of user activity indicia is measured against all or part of the identity fingerprint. Alternatively, the aggregation systems may identify groups or categories of users by behavior by identifying similar identity fingerprints. Similarity may be measured via correlation models. Finally, the data store of profiles may be used for non-authentication systems such as business intelligence, advertising, identity management, and threat monitoring.

Abstract: A method includes providing identifying application information associated with a user device in a network. The application information is information associated with at least one application running on the at least one user device. The method may further include identifying data usage information associated with the user device. The data usage information includes information associated with data used by the user device. In addition, the method may include associating the application information and the data usage information to determine application data usage for the user device. The method may also include identifying a data usage plan associated with the user device, and applying the data usage plan in the network based on the application data usage.

Abstract: Techniques to generate invoices for “events” (e.g., activities, orders, and so on) and taking into account applicable entitlements. The events are for actions and/or transactions to be performed, and may be related to contracts having entitlements that may specify special pricing for the events. An entitlement may define what event items are covered (e.g., time, expenses, parts), and the amount that is covered and the applicable discounts for each event item. To generate invoices for the events, contracts applicable to the events are initially determined and any entitlements that cover the events are identified. An original invoice amount for each event may be initially determined based on a standard pricing scheme (e.g., based on standard Price and/or Rate Lists) for this type of event. A revised invoice amount and discounts (if any) may then be determined for the event based on the applicable entitlements (if any).

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an end-to-end federated CDN solution that assimilates a transparent caching server that is operated by a transparent caching server operator into a CDN that independently operates CDN caching servers. Specifically, the logs from the transparent caching server are assimilated into the CDN by aggregating the logs from the transparent caching server and processing the transparent caching server logs to identify network usage for content of a CDN content provider customer that is delivered by the transparent caching server. The network usage is then combined with the network usage that tracked by the CDN caching servers in order to provide comprehensive report metrics for the content provider customer and to bill the content provider customer for all network usage related to delivering the content provider customer's content irrespective of whether the content was delivered by a transparent caching server or a CDN caching server.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for dynamic resource allocation is provided, where a network resource shared by a plurality of electronic devices having unique service profiles and unique billing profiles is monitored. Allocation of the shared network resource as well as the service profiles and billing profiles are dynamically modified.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring active and reactive powers of an alternating current includes receiving a first signal representing a current and a second signal representing a voltage, in which the current includes a phase offset with respect to the voltage, calculating an active power and reactive power based on the first and second signals, and calibrating the calculated active and reactive powers with respect to the phase offset using first and second constants, in which the first and second constants respectively correspond to a sine value and a cosine value of the phase offset.